Like the Ghost of Christmas past who visited Scrooge; that messenger
Gabriel sought to shed light on the events of Mary’s life and offer her God’s peace;
and to also offer God’s promise. “You have found favor with God…You will be
with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
The Ghost of Christmas Past – Third Week of Advent – December 12, 2021 – There was a promise of a brighter future Scrooge just as there was for
Mary and for us; but first Mary had to get past her fears.
Christmas isn’t about putting on the religious mask. It is about maintaining a relationship with the Lord. It is about coming clean about what our life is really like. It is about opening ourselves up to God in such a way that we will forever be changed. It is about admitting our need for God. Don’t let your past take from your present, nor taint your future.
So today, we pause and ask – who is the Christ that we’re about to celebrate? Who is this man – this god – this king – this deliverer whose birth we await?
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE – Joy Enough for the Journey
Paul understood this. Paul found humor in humble surroundings and even in the midst of horrible situations. He found a reason to rejoice regardless of the situation. He didn’t just wait.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE – “You Might Just Surprise Yourself” Let me tell you what the Lord told Gideon that day is true for you today; that you are the child of the most High God. You were born with and for a purpose, and no matter what you have done in the past or how guilty your feel because you believe you failed to do what you thought you should have done; you are healed, restored, and forgiven.